Wednesday, March 12, 2008
More than 45 years after Moses Gunn first arrived at the University of Kansas as a graduate theater student, memorabilia from his 30-year acting career have found a home on campus.
In late January, more than 20 boxes full of framed posters, awards, photographs and sculptures arrived at the department of theatre and film from Moses’ widow, Gwen. She said Moses had cataloged memorabilia from his career until his death in 1993, but the collection sat in her attic until she was able to find a suitable location. Gwen said her husband had always intended to donate it to either the University or Tennessee State, where he completed his undergraduate degree. The University received more than 80 items from Gwen.
“It’s good to have it have a home at last,” she said.
The department is cataloguing the collection and planning an exhibit at the Spencer Museum of Art in February of next year during Black History Month. The department is also looking for a permanent home for Gunn’s collection at Murphy Hall following the exhibit.
Gunn first attended the University from 1959 to 1961, completing all but his thesis for a master’s degree in theater before leaving to pursue a professional acting career. His career included performances in “Roots,” “The NeverEnding Story,” “Little House on the Prairie” and “Fool in Love.” Moses won two NAACP Image Awards, an Emmy Award nomination and helped found the Negro Ensemble Company.
Gwen said her husband always regretted the way his studies ended and urged young people interested in theater to consider the benefits of secondary education.
“He would be so happy to know about this because during his whole life he was so encouraging to young people in theater,” she said. “After he was here and having success, he would always encourage students to go to college.”
After an award-winning career, Moses returned to the University in 1989 with the help of former professor Bill Kuhlke to complete his degree. Kuhlke said he taught Moses during his first stint at the University, and the two had remained friends throughout the 30 years that followed.
Though Moses had inquired about completing his degree before returning in 1989, Kuhlke said previous requirements would have demanded he complete his thesis. Changes in curriculum allowed Moses to earn his degree through his professional contributions, a series of lectures and a performance alongside Kuhlke in a University Theatre production of “I’m Not Rappaport.” The contributions allowed Moses to avoid receiving an honorary degree, something his widow said never appealed to him.
Kuhlke said Moses would be remembered for his accomplishments in the theater and, specifically, the ground he broke for African-American actors within the profession. But most of all, he said Moses’ legacy was his powerful presence on stage and the effect he had on the audience and those who worked with him.
“Moses had a kind of dynamism and what you might call a grip as an actor,” he said. “When you are on stage with him, the relationship between the two of you creates a kind of vortex that just sucks you into the scene.”
— Edited by Katherine Loeck
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Actor’s memorabilia arrive home at last
I don't think this story is about an actor's memorabilia.
Actor’s memorabilia arrive home at last
A big oops the flub. Fixed!
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